Overview & Reviews

Swedish-born Volvo has long been a forerunner in safety research, and its vehicles have the crash test scores to prove it. These days, the brand has improved its offerings by crafting vehicles that also offer generous amounts of style and performance.

In Latin, the word "Volvo" means "I roll." Volvo cars have been rolling ever since 1927, when the first vehicle (nicknamed "Jakob") was produced in the city of Gothenburg. The company's founders, Assar Gabrielsson and Gustaf Larsson, put an emphasis on safety, and that dictum still holds true today. The Jakob was joined by the six-cylinder PV651 in 1929, and by 1931, more than 10,000 Volvos had been produced.

Postwar, Volvo unveiled one of its biggest successes, the PV444. By the 1950s, Volvo had begun exporting cars to the U.S., and the PV444 — with its compact size and stylish looks — helped the manufacturer quickly make a name for itself in its new territory. The decade also saw Volvo building on its reputation for being a vanguard in the area of safety; it was the first manufacturer to make vehicles with a three-point safety belt.

The 1960s saw the launch of a new Volvo sports car, the P1800. The car's sculpted good looks helped earn it celebrity status when it was featured on the long-running TV series The Saint, with Roger Moore behind the wheel. Safety features grew more advanced during this decade and Volvo was again at the forefront of the action, offering features such as padded dashboards and energy-resistant crumple zones in front and rear.

Volvo distinguished itself as the exclusive home to a number of valuable new technologies during the 1970s. If you were looking for safety features such as childproof locks, collapsible steering columns and rear-facing child seats during this decade, you'd only find them in a Volvo.

Like BMWs and Saabs, Volvos became an American "yuppie" favorite during the 1980s. The company proved its technological know-how wasn't just limited to safety when it rolled out its first turbocharged car. By the end of the decade, Volvo had unveiled new models like the front-wheel-drive 480 hatchback (for Europe) and the Italian-designed 780 coupe.

In the early '90s, Volvo launched the 850. The car was Volvo's first front-wheel-drive executive car, and teamed performance with the company's trademark attention to safety. The decade also saw Volvo rolling out new models like the S40 and C70 — cars that updated the automaker's boxy image with a more rounded, sculpted aesthetic. The company became part of the Ford family when it was acquired by the automaker in 1998. Ford helped Volvo financially, while Volvo provided Ford with new safety technologies and car platforms. Due to Ford's financial troubles during the American recession, however, Ford sold Volvo to the Chinese automaker Geely in 2010.

It's unknown how Volvo's new owner will guide the brand long term, but chances are Volvo will continue to offer sedans, coupes and SUVs known for their combination of safety and driving excitement.

User Reviews:

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  Good Looker....high maintenance - 2004 Volvo C70
  By Paul Hr - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I have had 5 Volvos and this is definitely the best looking and the least reliable of the lot. I have had great service and free loaners from the dealer, but have had some problems with the air conditioning system and the top especially. Everything else has been within reason. I also have had the "slow seat" problem, and a seat that failed when in the fully forward position, which necessitated towing. I must say though I have talked about trading it in for a new solara convertable or the new saab, but once they roll up the car when i come to pick it up I change my mind....it is a lot of fun especially here in south florida.

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  Lots of Troubles - 1998 Volvo V70
  By drc - January 6 - 10:00 am

  In the first 30 months we owned this car it was in the shop 26 times. Nothing major (except a fuel leak)but lots of minors issues like burned out headlights, rear window that wont roll up and lots of times the "check engine" light came on. Now the leather is separating from the door panel on the drivers door. The troubles just will not stop with this car.

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  Sturdy, reliable - 2008 Volvo S40
  By CDY - January 5 - 12:43 pm

  Mileage is ok. Sporty ride. Not much space for the rear passengers. Small and sturdy. Noisy at low speeds. Got a dark grey car and black interior. great design even for cloth seats. Intuitive dials and controls. Nice programmable features like Autolock, rain sensing wipers, tail fog light, tow jack, homelink etc.

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  Exactly what I was looking for - 2000 Volvo C70
  By Randolphus Maximus - January 3 - 10:00 am

  My previous auto was a Toyota which finally died on me after 10 years. The Volvo feels even more solidly put together than the Toyota did. I do a lot of commuting miles and the leather interior is extremely quiet. The seats are extraordinary in their comfort and adjust every which way. Finally, the car is distinctive. It doesnt look like a BMW or a Mercedes but it definitely turns heads.

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  New Car! - 2002 Volvo V70
  By woodchuckscout - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Just bought a 2.4 model with premium package. I was worried about the reliability of the turbos after a few years of use, so I just went with the 2.4 base model. Its not very powerful, but here in LA, there arent many hills to climb.

• 

  big bomb - 2004 Volvo XC90
  By suz - December 31 - 1:46 am

  Do not buy this car, 2004 and 2005 xc90s are known for their transmission problems. Guess what? Volvo of America does not care. $6,700 later, now upside down. Owned the car 7 month. A piece of crap. There are class action suits being established in Conn. and in NYC. Avoid this SUV

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  Lots of time & money for maintenance - 1998 Volvo S70
  By MoMoney - December 28 - 10:00 am

  The car has frequent problems with various lights(brake, interior, etc) as well as frequent trips to the dealer for mostly minor indicator light problems (ABS/Tracs off etc.) To change the light bulb on the gear shifter cost $70. We also had to get all 4 door panels replaced (no charge) because the leather was separating from the panel. Maintenance at the dealer is expensive & once you have to start replacing stuff (brakes/rear only $450) and shocks/struts in our case @65M for ~$1100. New computer $700. Would not buy another Volvo. Non- dealer cant service many things. Service mgr. said that we should have bought extended warranty!

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  pleased - 2000 Volvo S40
  By Seylavie - December 23 - 8:16 pm

  I have been very pleased with the Volvo S40. It has been quite reliable, and I feel very safe with it. I get about 28 mpg on the interstate (which is most of my driving). Ive had little in the way of any problems. If asked to present constructive critism for the company I would say the armrest between the front seats. I would consider it pretty flimsy, it has broken three times. Other than that, I really wouldnt complain, its truly been a good car.

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  Decent Car for price range - 2005 Volvo S60
  By Dan - December 20 - 7:53 pm

  Issues I have with the car is that the steering radius is the worst Ive ever experienced, visibility from drivers seat isnt the greatest due to cars design that causes blind spots, cant select specific songs to be played on iPod, mileage for city driving is poor (I get about 180-200 miles per tank). Very basic interior, so I purchased for a wood trim kit in an attempt to give it a little luxury. Steering on my car is pretty tight (which I like), but Ive driven other S60s that had way too much power assist. Evidently something about the model I have made it tight, thankfully. If the 3 series BMW had front wheel drive, and the rear seats folded, I would have bought it instead.

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  S40 Volvo Desires - 2000 Volvo S40
  By tcashin - December 19 - 2:36 am

  If you like small cars, this is an excellent choice. Drink holder in front is about as convenient as reaching for the one in the back. Option pricing puts this car way into stratosphere for what you get